Pride and Vainglory: What is Pride REALLY?! | Mthr Natalia 8 Evil Thoughts Episode 4
Jun 23, 2024
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Mother Natalia delves into the distinctions between vainglory and pride, emphasizing their impact on relationships and spiritual growth. She explores the dangers of pride and calls for discernment and humility to foster personal and relational well-being.
Vainglory and Pride overlap in manifestations, with Vainglory focused on external praise, while Pride fixates on self-praise.
Vainglory grows stronger when virtues defeat other thoughts, requiring constant self-awareness, while Pride distorts relationships by attributing personal achievements solely to oneself.
Deep dives
Vain Glory vs. Pride: The blurred distinctions
Vain Glory and Pride, though distinct, blur together in their manifestations. Vain Glory, highlighted by St. John Cassian, encompasses praise from others regarding external or internal abilities. Conversely, Pride fixates on self-praise, diverging from external influences. However, the two intertwine, making it challenging to segregate them outright.
The Onion-Like Danger of Vainglory
Vainglory, a formidable foe, grows stronger as virtues defeat other thoughts. St. John Climaçus likens it to an onion with layers perpetually peeling back. This continuous uncovering reveals how even spiritual virtues can fuel Vainglory's dangerous escalation. Its insidious nature calls for constant vigilance and self-awareness.
From Humble Praise to Spiritual Elevation: Navigating Pride
Pride, a treacherous companion, distorts our relationship with God and others. From belittling to offense, Pride's aggression tarnishes interactions. It stems from attributing personal achievements solely to oneself, veering away from acknowledging God's grace. Embracing humility and shedding self-centered pride is vital for nurturing healthy relationships and spiritual growth.
Mother continues her mini series on the eight evil thoughts. In the final episode she addresses Vainglory and Pride. Are they the same? What is the difference?